Super Bowl Kickoff Time 2014: Broadcasting Info and Prediction for Big Game

Super Bowl XLVIII pits the Denver Broncos against the Seattle Seahawks in what is sure to be a remarkable contest. Each team has been gearing up in New Jersey, as this year will mark the first ever cold-weather Super Bowl.

It will certainly be an event for the ages, so be sure to gather all necessary information before the big game gets underway.

At first, it seemed as though we were in for an extremely cold game—there was a strong possibility of snow and even a chance of moving the game to a different date.

Now, that's not the case at all.

According to weather.com, MetLife Stadium is in for one of the most mild days it has seen all winter long.

During the day:

We do expect a cold front to slide through during the day, however, it may have very little moisture to work with, and most of the cold air should lag well behind the front. We can't rule out patchy light rain or drizzle early Sunday morning before the front glides through. Daytime highs should rise well into the 40s and approach 50 degrees, possibly the warmest day in almost two weeks.

At the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff:

Kickoff temperature should be in the upper 30s or low 40s. A west to northwest breeze around 10 mph may linger into the game, but we're not expecting wind to be a major factor. We can't rule out a sprinkle or patchy drizzle, but the chance of this is low.

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has been stellar this postseason, rushing for 249 yards and three touchdowns with an average of 5.0 yards per carry over his two games played. Denver's run defense has been incredibly stout during the playoffs, as they are allowing only an average of 64.5 rush yards per game.

It appears that both teams are very capable of counteracting their opponent's strengths, which could certainly make this an instant classic.

Prediction

Taking everything into consideration, this game should come down to the wire. Now that weather will not play a huge part on the game's outcome, these teams should be able to perform at full strength.

The advantage here should go to the team that has the hottest hand going into the contest:

Seahawks vs. Broncos: Postseason Defensive Stats

Team

Points Allowed

Rush Yards Allowed

Pass Yards Allowed

Sacks

Denver

16.5

64.5

225.0

6

Seattle

16

134.5

224.0

3

NFL.com

Seahawks vs. Broncos: Postseason Offensive Stats

Team

Points Scored

Rush Yards

Pass Yards

TDs

Denver

25.0

120.0

315.0

5

Seattle

23.0

144.5

148.0

4

NFL.com

It looks as though the Broncos have been the more balanced team during the course of the postseason. Their defense has stepped up in a big way to match the dominance of their offense. This Super Bowl should come down to the wire; although, it looks as if Denver has the upper hand right now.